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state politics Tom Richardson Losing touch with reality T he Rann Government enters the Industrial Relations Commission for arbitration with the Education Union next week. It could be a long, drawn-out process, with the union predicting it will take 10 to 12 months to reach a resolution. After the debacle that ensued following the commission’s clumsy handling of last week’s planned teachers’ strike,many would be sceptical about the efficacy of the IRC’s arbitration process. Commissioner Michael Doyle, a former organiser for the firies’ union, published the reasons for his decision to order the strike be cancelled, but even this document was insufficiently circulated, apparently distributed randomly to some media outlets, while ignoring others. Certainly,my calls to the commission’s office were not returned. Perhaps they were simply inundated with calls from disgruntled parents and didn’t have the resources to handle the attention. But the entire episode suggested a certain lack of touch with the reality of the broader issues at stake.Doyle’s document details the partisan games being played out throughout the interminable sessions last week, and the “mistrust and suspicion” underpinning the union’s relationship with the Government. It was certainly evident that the commissioner felt frustrated by the lengthy politicking and stonewalling, of which both sides were guilty. But whatever his frustration with the warring parties, a Thursday evening order to abandon the strike undoubtedly produced the worst possible outcome. Surely it would have been far better to let the teachers strike, to let the union wear the parents’ resentment and to put on record the commission’s dissatisfaction with the week’s proceedings. Instead, classrooms stood open but empty, as parents awoke to the news that their hastily organised childcare arrangements had become redundant. Most chose to keep their kids athome anyway, as planned. Teachers and parents alike were largely dependent on the media for information on the unfolding situation, but the commission’s order seemed to ignore media deadlines. Hell, Channel 10 led its 5pm Thursday bulletin saying (correctly) that the strike was going ahead as planned, and had to return minutes later to say that it had since been ordered off, after media outlets were informed of the rapidly changing scenario around 5.05pm. Even then, the union’s executive had to retreat behind closed doors for three hours to determine whether or not to comply with the order. As Thursday night wore on, the IRC finally released the specific wording of its orders to the Government and the union – but, again, not to the media. We finally got a copy at 6.29pm, but only after demanding it from the minister’s office. The earliest parents could have known for sure whether schools would be open was Matthew Pantelis’s live cross on FIVEaa and Channel 9’s unscheduled news update after the union meeting wound up at 9.15 pm. The commission may have imposed its authority on the teachers’ union, but it’s highly debatable as to whether it acted in the greatest public interest. Environmental Scientist • Large, global consultancy • Exciting variety of projects • Opportunity to work with the industry’s best This is an excellent and rare opportunity for an Environmental Scientist to come on board a highly respected engineering consultancy in Adelaide. Joining their established Environmental division, you will have the exceptional opportunity to work within a talented and dynamic team and learn from the most highly regarded experts in the industry. In this role, you will be working on a wide variety of environmental projects such as ecological-based studies including fl ora and fauna surveys, large environmental impact assessments and statements, resource management plans, and projects with a water focus such as wetland studies and designs. This opportunity is highly suitable to an Environmental Scientist with 1-3 years experience post graduation. With a commercial mind and an inner drive to succeed, you will be enthusiastic about wanting to develop your career with a global consultancy and take on new challenges. Strong report-writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively and interact with others are also essential. This company offers an exceptional variety of technically challenging projects and excellent mentorship, therefore exposing you to opportunities for skill development and career progression that are second to none. For further information about this position please contact Rachel Nicolas on 1300 764 271 or 0402 277 170. Alternatively send a copy of your CV to rachel@ctconsult.com.au At any rate, it did nothing to silence the union’s protest. When news bulletins ran on Friday night, it led with the spectacle of teachers chanting and waving placards outside Parliament House – just as it would have if the strike had gone ahead. Among those who rallied was former (and prospective) Liberal MP Joe Scalzi. When I put it to him that union membership and militant protesting seemed at odds with the Liberal ideology, he replied that it was entirely consistent with a party that promoted freedom of the individual. He then launched into an impassioned speech about the inherent unfairness of the current pay situation, insofar as it impacted on young graduate teachers. Shortly after I spoke to Joe, I wandered past the Libs’ current education spokesman, David Pisoni, who was still a little bewildered that the red-clad hordes on parliament’s front steps had actually cheered when his presence was drawn to their attention. I was reminded of the scenes a few days out from the 2004 federal election, when forestry workers in Tasmania cheered John Howard and heckled Mark Latham (this was before that became the standard response to the one-time Labor November 28 - December 4, 2008 The Independent Weekly 7 www.independentweekly.com.au leader). Needless to say, it’s one thing if the state Labor Government can’t settle this dispute with what should be its natural constituency, particularly after that infamous 2002 election pledge card promised to provide “better schools and more teachers” and to “direct money to hospitals and schools”. But it’s another thing entirely if that natural constituency has now wandered into the open arms of the Opposition. ? 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With extensive experience in Civil designing, you will have the capacity to provide expert leadership to other, more junior members of the design team. You will also be able to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors and other consultants utilizing your fantastic interpersonal skills to enhance their already incredible reputation. Such interpersonal skills will complement your technical design knowledge in the areas of wastewater, storm water management systems and roads and highways. The ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment is a must and it is expected you will be able to provide expert leadership within the group; adding value from day one with your innovative thinking and design capabilities. You will be an honest and open individual with a strong drive to succeed and the capacity to further your career within the organisation. Salary and benefi ts package will be offered to refl ect not only your experience in the industry but also your future development potential. www.ctconsult.com.au Chris Tan Consulting AEROSPACE • ARCHITECTURE • CHEMICAL • CAD • CIVIL ELECTRICAL • ENVIRONMENTAL • MECHANICAL • STRUCTURAL For further information about this position please contact Kevin O’Callaghan on 1300 764 271 or 0407 956 770. Alternatively send a copy of your CV to kevin@ctconsult.com.au www.ctconsult.com.au Chris Tan Consulting AEROSPACE • ARCHITECTURE • CHEMICAL • CAD • CIVIL ELECTRICAL • ENVIRONMENTAL • MECHANICAL • STRUCTURAL E63363 E53679